AI Without Losing the Soul: Practical Takeaways for Brands and Retailers

The free online session is brought to you by Surf Industry Members Association and Backland Labs.
Published: August 4, 2026 Press Release

Surf Industry Members Association and Backland Labs are hosting a free online session about AI on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m.

This session will give brands, retailers, board builders, suppliers, marketers, and industry leaders a practical foundation in the current state of AI focusing on what it can do well today, where it still needs human judgment, and how teams can begin using it responsibly. We’ll look at real use cases across retail, merchandising, marketing, customer service, and community growth.

Key Takeaways:

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of AI, a sharper sense of where it can create value, and a short list of practical ideas they can test inside their own businesses without losing authenticity and creativity.

Register your team for free now. 

ABOUT BACKLAND LABS:

Max Krueger is the founder of Backland Labs, where he advises startups and enterprises on AI product strategy, architecture, and implementation. He was CTO of Abel, where he built AI agents for the construction supply industry. Previously, Max led AI deployments at Casper Studios and advised Fortune 500 companies at Accenture. He founded AI Tinkerers San Diego and works with Anthropic to expand practical AI education.

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series